For many people hearing aids are essential to hear the simplest of sounds, like their alarm clock or someone's voice. However, hearing aid technology requires power and that translates to batteries. There are two main types of hearing aid batteries, disposable and rechargeable, and each has their advantage. At Optimum Audiology we can help you find the right quality hearing aid batteries for your hearing loss.
Rechargeable batteries are the newest to enter the market with a bang. The original rechargeable batteries that came out about 8 years ago were a first generation rechargeable battery. The newest generation that came out about 4 years ago is Lithium Ion batteries. These batteries are very consistent, durable, and long lasting. The Lithium Ion battery is embedded into the hearing aid. The hearing aid is then placed into a charging port overnight. A typical Lithium Ion battery will last about 20 hours of full time use in your hearing aid during the day. This includes the use of various activities such as listening in the presence of noise, streaming (phone call and media like music), and daily use at home. A typical Lithium battery will charge up in 4 hours, well before you wake up and need the hearing aids on the following day. These batteries and rechargeability are easily available at Optimum Audiology.
Optimum Audiology has a wide variety of batteries available for you to purchase when you come in for your appointment or when you need batteries. You are welcome to come in and purchase them during our normal business hours of 9-5 PM daily. Standard batteries come in four basic sizes. They come in 675 (Blue), 13 (Orange), 312 (Brown) and 10 (Yellow). These are the typical batteries that are found in any hearing aid that is not rechargeable. Many batteries have a “flat” positive side, and this is the best kind of battery to purchase. Optimum Audiology has the “flat” positive side batteries with a very distant expiration date. Make sure to look at the back of the battery package to make sure that you are getting batteries that have an expiration date about 2 years beyond the date you are purchasing the batteries. Batteries that have a ring on the positive side of the battery can cause intermittency in some hearing aids.
Typically batteries will last the following amount of days, per battery size and color: 675 - 10-14 days (Blue)13 - 7-10 days (Orange)312 - 7 days (Brown)10 - 3-5 days (Yellow)
The best way to extend the life of a battery is to remove the sticker on the battery. Once you remove the sticker, you leave the battery to the side for about 5-10 minutes. This allows the Zinc in the battery to fully activate in the battery cell. When this happens, it extends the life of the battery.
High quality hearing aids, custom fit for your individual hearing loss, can make all the difference in how well you hear and communicate. This means either replacing batteries on a regular basis, or recharging them after each use. Each has its own advantages when it comes to cost savings, convenience, and environmental impact. At Optimum Audiology we’re experts at helping our patients find the right type for their needs, so don't hesitate to contact us today!
